DNR News

Oyster season to close May 15, clam season to close May 31 May 7, 2018

The heat of summer elevates bacterial levels in South Carolina waterways and, by extension, filter feeders such as oysters and clams. (Photo: Erin Weeks/SCDNR)

South Carolina’s season for harvest of oysters and mussels from State Shellfish Grounds and Public Shellfish Grounds will close on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at one half hour after official sunset, according to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials. Clam season will close on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at one half hour after official sunset.

Because higher bacterial levels occur when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, shellfish harvesting during the summer months is limited to commercial harvesters who can meet rigorous handling requirements. Coastal waters will remain closed to recreational shellfish harvesting until the fall, when water temperatures begin to cool and ensure that shellfish are once again safe for harvesting and consumption. Shellfish harvesting is expected to reopen October 1, 2018.

Although shellfish harvesting is closed during the summer, SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling program accepts oyster shells year-round. Shell recycling drop-off
locations are located throughout coastal counties and at a few inland locations. Collection sites can be found
online or by calling SCDNR at (843) 953-9397. Other types of shell such as clams and whelks are also accepted.

During the summer months, SCDNR biologists return the recycled shell to shorelines, where it provides an ideal base for juvenile oysters to attach and grow,
thereby replenishing harvested beds. When the quantity of shell needed to replant shellfish grounds exceeds that which is recycled, SCDNR must purchase shell at
increasing cost. Even a modest increase in recycled shell can save a significant amount of money. SCDNR’s shellfish recycling, restoration and enhancement efforts
are funded in part by saltwater recreational fishing license sales.

Late spring and early summer are also busy months for SCDNR’s community oyster restoration program (SCORE). The public is invited to work
with SCDNR staff and other volunteers to create oyster habitat using recycled shell. The resulting oyster reefs will provide a host of ecological
services including water filtration, nutrient cycling, and habitat for fish and invertebrates. Check the SCORE webpage for a calendar of events or
email the community restoration staff at score@dnr.sc.gov.